Washington, DC—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released the following statement in response to the efforts of a single Republican Senator blocking passage of the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009:

“It is unfortunate that during this week while we reflect on the sacrifices of our brave troops and their families, one Republican Senator has chosen to continue the Republican record of delay by blocking passage of legislation to improve health care for our veterans. These men and women who have bravely served our nation deserve our support while they are overseas, but they also deserve the best care when the return. This bipartisan bill would expand important health services to our veterans and provide benefits to their caregivers.

“The American people have no tolerance for playing politics with critical support for our brave men and women in uniform. Dragging our troops into this failed political strategy is a sad continuation of the short-sighted, ill-advised Republican game plan to derail and delay Senate business at all costs.”